natalizumab intravenous

Natalizumab increases your risk of getting a rare but very serious (sometimes fatal) brain infection (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy-PML). This risk may be higher the longer you use natalizumab and if you recently used or are currently using other medications that weaken the immune system/increase your risk of infection (such as immunosuppressants, cancerchemotherapy) or other medications that affect the immune system (immunomodulators). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. See also Side Effects and Drug Interactions sections. The risk of PML may also be higher if you have been infected with the virus that causes this infection (JC virus). Your doctor may order a test to see if you have been infected with this virus. Because this medication increases the risk of PML, it is usually used alone and only when other treatments have not worked or you are unable to use them.

In the US, natalizumab is only available to patients enrolled in the TOUCH Prescribing Program. In Canada, a similar program is called the Tysabri Care Program. There are two different TOUCH prescribing programs: MS TOUCH for patients with multiple sclerosis, and CD TOUCH for patients with Crohn's disease. Only doctors, infusion centers, and pharmacies enrolled in these programs may prescribe, inject, or provide this medication to patients. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication and other treatment choices. If you and your doctor decide that this is the best treatment for you, your doctor can help you enroll in the TOUCH program. Your doctor will monitor you very closely while you are using this medication, usually at least 3 times during the first year and every 6 months from then on.

Uses

This medication is used to treat a certain type of multiple sclerosis (relapsing multiple sclerosis-MS). It is not a cure for MS, but it is thought to help by preventing your immune system from attacking the nerves in your brain and spinal cord. It helps decrease the number of episodes of worsening and may prevent or delay disability.

Natalizumab is also used to treat a bowel condition called Crohn's disease (CD) when it is moderate to severe and/or keeps coming back. It is not a cure for CD, but it is thought to work by preventing your immune system from causing inflammation/swelling within your bowels.

Natalizumab is a protein called a monoclonal antibody.

How to use natalizumab intravenous

This medicine comes with a Medication Guide. Read it carefully before you start using natalizumab and each time you receive another dose. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine.

This medication is given by a health care professional in an infusion center, usually every 4 weeks or as directed by your doctor. This medication is mixed in a solution and injected slowly into a vein, usually over 1 hour. It should not be given as a rapid injection. You will be monitored for 1 hour after your treatment is finished to make sure you do not have a serious reaction to the medication. (See also Side Effects section.)

It is important to use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Do not miss any doses without your doctor's approval.

Tell your doctor if your condition worsens. When using this medication for Crohn's disease, if your condition does not improve after 12 weeks of treatment, your doctor will need to switch your treatment plan.

Side Effects

Headache, joint pain, redness/irritation at the injection site, swelling hands/feet/ankles, or changes in menstrual cycle may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if you have any side effects while this drug is being given or shortly after your treatment is finished. Examples of these side effects (infusion reaction) may include chills, fever, flushing, nausea, dizziness, tiredness, and chest pain.

This drug increases the risk of a rare, possibly fatal, brain infection (see Warning section for more details). This condition may occur during treatment or, in some cases, after treatment has stopped. In MS patients, the symptoms of PML can seem like an attack of worsening MS. Therefore, whether you are using this drug or have stopped using it within the last 6 months, tell your doctor right away of any new or worsening symptoms that have lasted for several days such as: clumsiness, sudden change in your thinking (such as confusion, difficulty concentrating), difficulty moving muscles, seizure, problems with speech, vision changes.

This drug may rarely cause serious liver problems. If you notice any of the following rare but very serious side effects, tell your doctor immediately: persistent nausea/vomiting, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, feeling tired/weak.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have ever had a certain medical condition. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have ever had: a certain virus infection (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy-PML).

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: past or current use of other drugs that weaken the immune system/increase the risk of infection (such as azathioprine, cyclosporine, 6-mercaptopurine, methotrexate, TNF blockers such as adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab), other drugs that affect the immune system (immunomodulators such as interferon beta), long-term use of corticosteroids (such as dexamethasone, prednisone).

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as MRI, liver function, anti-JCV antibody test) may be performed before you start treatment and repeated periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you. Examples of lifestyle changes include stress reduction programs and maintaining a healthy diet. A doctor-approved exercise program may also help MS patients maintain strength, balance, and muscle tone. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Missed Dose

It is very important to use this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to set up a new dosing schedule.

Storage

Not applicable. This medication is given in an infusion center and will not be stored at home.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Information last revised May 2015. Copyright(c) 2015 First Databank, Inc.

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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, expect as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

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